Exclusive AC Interview with the Infamous Ron Purtee; Host and Creator of the Internet Radio Show RONCAST!

If I didn't know Ron, I would think he was a pompous jerk. Wait..check that. He is. But that's beside the point! I have known Ron for quite some time, and throughout that time, he has done many things, such as local television, music (recording, playing and singing), and much more. And he has also interviewed a lot of talented musical artists over the years. His latest project, RONCAST! is an internet radio show, in which he hosts, that features unsigned and independent musicians. Since Ron has interviewed tons of musicians, I figured I would turn the tables a bit and put him in the spotlight, and talk to him about his new show, RONCAST!

Who the hell is Ron Purtee? Tell us a little bit about yourself.

RP: I was born in a small town in Wisconsin, and when I say small town I mean 80,000 or so. I got a birthday coming up at the beginning of May, so if anyone feels the need to send presents, contact the show. My parents got divorced at a very early age and since then I had to find other outlets to stimulate myself because my Mom was working all the time and my Dad was well...lets not get into that. So I got into TV, movies, and the radio. I was and still am an all around media whore.

Tell us about your new radio show, RONCAST!

RP: RONCAST! almost picks up where Ground Noise left off, except now I don't play as much in the vein of major label music. I usually try to help out those artists that really need it. That doesn't mean that I'm not going to play a few old school "big" bands from time to time. Also, I think I talk a bit more, and that can get me into trouble. In fact, it ALWAYS gets me into trouble.

What is the show schedule? Do you have a new one every week? Month?

RP: New shows should be ready to WOW you late Tuesday nights or early Weds. mornings.

How is RONCAST! different from your past show, Ground Noise Radio?

RP: I talk more, and I don't play as much of the "Crap you would know." I'm also trying to play more clips from films and television, make it a little funny.

How long have you been doing internet radio? Also, what inspired you to pursue it?

RP: Internet radio for me started towards the end of 2001, but I've always got in trouble with it. The first show I had was with a friend of mine and we did the show from his den. Someone upset us and we gave out their phone number over the air and well, the people hosting the show weren't all that happy about it. So needless to say we weren't welcome on there anymore. Before that though, I used to broadcast with my cousin from a high school radio station out in Burlington, I'm not exactly sure how that ended.

Then I got into what I'm doing now. I have a good time and things are working out pretty well for now. I am still waiting to find someone who can help me create an RSS Feed so I can get this bad mamajama on iTunes and spread my word to everyone I can.

Inspirationally speaking, I don't want to say the usual, because its not. I guess I was inspired by the need to be adored. I wanna be adored.

During the time you were doing your TV show, "The Ron Purtee Show", you had the opportunity to meet and interview some really great talents; my personal favorite, William Elliot Whitmore. Who would say was your most memorable guest?

RP: William was definitely the show that I am known for, but the one that sticks out in my mind is the episode with the band 2 West. They were very, very, very drunk. Things got out of hand and things were said that I'm sure they wish they hadn't, but damn if I'm not glad that they did.

I, along with other fans of your work, was a huge fan of "The Ron Purtee Show". Do you think it will make a comeback someday?

RP: I don't want to be cliché and say "never say never" but that's the exact case in regards to this. The way the show ended last time on the public access station wasn't fun. The show wasn't airing when it was supposed to and I got angry. My temper got the best of me, and well, there went the show. I miss doing it, and I don't rule out doing it again, but all the pieces need to fall into place before that can happen.

Other than RONCAST!, are there any other projects you are currently working on? Or will be working on in the near future?

RP: I'm a jack of all trades, master of none. I'm always working on something new, but right now I'm focusing on RONCAST! and making that as popular as I possibly can. Rest assured though, I always have something up my sleeve.

On RONCAST!, you showcase unsigned and independent artists. How do you pick and choose who you play on the show? Do bands contact you? Do you contact them?

RP: So far since the show came back I haven't had anyone contact me, I've had to do all the footwork and contact bands which can be a lot less fun than it sounds.

In regards to picking the stuff I play on the show, it really helps if I like the band. Like right now I am really into the band Okkervil River. I think they are just amazing. Same goes for Margot & the Nuclear So Sos and Tiger Lou. So play some music I like, and don't be an asshole. I'm enough of one; don't need you to be too.

For any musicians interested in having their music played on the show, how can they reach you, and is there any specific information you would need from them to be considered?

RP: Like I said, it would help if I like them, and I know that makes me sound like an elitist, and I kind of am. If they want to be on the show they can contact me at the myspace ( www.myspace.com/gnradio ) or at thegnradio@gmail.com

Where can people listen to RONCAST!, and be updated on new shows?

RP: www.myspace.com/gnradio is the best place for both. Hopefully the breakthrough to iTunes is soon. If anyone can help with that, Id love them long time.

Finally, when not entertaining the internet world with your grace, charm and great tunes, what other things could you be found doing?

RP: Shouldn't that question be "Who can I be found doing?" HaHa. No, internet radio doesn't allow for me to sleep around, yet. I'm usually found watching movies that fly totally under the radar. I'm a big fan of the 70s exploitation film and can be found up until the wee hours of the morning watching TCM Underground on Friday nights. So yes, I will be at Grindhouse opening day. I try to read but I can't keep focused long enough to do it. I also love comic books, something about them takes me away from a grim reality that we all have to face everyday, even though we all hope for a brand new world, and a better tomorrow.

I'd like to give a big thanks to Ron for taking the time to be interviewed. And don't forget to check out RONCAST!